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Online education in Chile has grown fast over the last few years. Today, it’s possible to study everything from digital skills and tourism to astronomy and business strategy without paying tuition. For many people, these free online courses are the first step toward a promotion, a career change or a return to the job market.
The best part is that these opportunities are not limited to university students. Government programs, public universities, private institutions and global platforms all offer quality courses for anyone willing to learn. Some even include optional low-cost certificates so you can prove what you’ve studied.
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If you live in Chile and want to boost your CV without spending money, this guide is for you. Below you’ll find the main platforms, how to enroll step by step, comparison tables and practical tips so you can start your first free online course with confidence. Keep going and continue reading to discover your best options.
Why free online courses matter in Chile today
Chile, like many countries, is facing rapid changes in the labor market. Automation, digitalization and new business models demand constant learning. At the same time, not everyone can afford paid degrees or private training. Free online courses help fill this gap by giving access to high-quality content without tuition.
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These courses are especially valuable for people who need flexibility: parents, shift workers, freelancers, unemployed workers and students with busy schedules. Because most programs are self-paced, you can learn at night, on weekends or during breaks.
Finally, free online learning is a low-risk way to “test” new fields. If you’re curious about programming, data analysis, tourism or digital marketing, you can start with a short online course before investing in a longer diploma or degree.
Main types of free online courses available in Chile
| Type of provider | Typical areas of study | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Government (SENCE) | Digital skills, programming, entrepreneurship, tourism, employability skills | Unemployed workers, small business owners, people looking for upskilling with public support |
| Public universities (MOOCs) | Science, humanities, social sciences, technology, education, basic math, ethics, astronomy | Students, professionals and curious learners who want high-quality academic content |
| Private institutions | Business, entrepreneurship, technical skills, health, management | Workers and entrepreneurs who want short, practical courses |
| Global platforms | IT, languages, data, AI, business, design, soft skills | Learners who want international content (often in English) with optional certificates |
Government-funded courses: SENCE online programs
What is SENCE and what does it offer?
SENCE (Servicio Nacional de Capacitación y Empleo) is the Chilean government body responsible for many of the country’s training initiatives. On its official site, SENCE maintains a catalog of free training programs in areas such as technology, entrepreneurship, transport, employability and inclusion.
Among these programs, “Cursos en línea” stand out: fully online, self-paced courses that cover digital skills, programming, marketing, customer service and even tourism, often with open calls throughout the year.
You can explore the official site at https://sence.gob.cl and look for the section dedicated to online courses.
Examples of SENCE online courses
Below is a simplified table with typical topics you can find in the SENCE online catalog (the exact offer changes over time):
| Area | Example topics | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Digital skills | Basic computing, cybersecurity, web design, office tools | 20–60 hours |
| Technology & programming | Intro to programming, data analysis basics, digital innovation | 40–80 hours |
| Entrepreneurship & business | Business planning, marketing, e-commerce, financial management | 20–60 hours |
| Tourism | Ecotourism, tourism promotion, telephone representative in tourism | 24–46 hours |
| Employability | CV design, job search skills, soft skills for the workplace | 10–40 hours |
To explore current options, you can visit the SENCE site and navigate to the “Cursos en línea” section.
Who can apply to SENCE online courses?
In general, SENCE’s free online courses target people living in Chile who are over 16 years old. Some programs are aimed at unemployed workers, micro-entrepreneurs or people in vulnerable situations, while others are open to any adult with a Chilean national ID (RUN) and, in some cases, a ClaveÚnica account.
Each course page explains specific requirements like minimum age, employment status or educational background. Always read this section carefully before applying.
How to enroll in a SENCE online course (step by step)
The exact process may vary slightly, but usually looks like this:
- Access the SENCE site
Go to https://sence.gob.cl and click on “Cursos en línea” or search “cursos online Sence” in your browser. - Browse the catalog
Filter courses by area (for example, “Tecnologías de la Información”, “Emprendimiento”, “Turismo”) and read each course description: objectives, duration, modality and requirements. - Select a course
When you find a course that fits your goals, click on it to open the detailed page. - Log in or create an account
You may be asked to log in using your RUN and ClaveÚnica or create a SENCE profile. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. - Complete the online application
Confirm your personal data and, if necessary, answer a short questionnaire (for example, your current job situation). - Confirm your enrollment
After submitting your application, you should receive confirmation by email or in your SENCE profile. Some courses allow immediate access; others may have a start date. - Enter the learning platform
Many SENCE courses are hosted on partner platforms (specialized e-learning sites or international platforms such as Coursera in specific programs). You will receive a link and instructions to start studying.
MOOCs from Chilean universities
What are MOOCs and why are they important in Chile?
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are open online courses that can host thousands of students at the same time. In Chile, several universities use MOOCs to share knowledge with the general public, often offering free access to content and optional low-cost certificates.
This model allows anyone with an internet connection to study directly with university professors, even if they are not enrolled as degree students.
UAbierta – Universidad de Chile
UAbierta is the open online course platform of the Universidad de Chile. It offers 100% online MOOCs, with no formal prerequisites and free access to course materials. Learners can obtain a certificate at a relatively low cost if they want proof of completion.
Typical topics include science communication, public policy, education, health, social sciences and more. Courses are usually self-paced, which means you can advance at your own rhythm.
How to enroll in a UAbierta course
- Visit https://uabierta.uchile.cl.
- Browse the “Cursos Online” section and choose a topic.
- Click on the course to open the information page (objectives, contents, dates).
- Create an account with your email or log in if you already have one.
- Click “Inscribirse” or the equivalent button to enroll.
- Once inside the course, follow the modules, watch videos and complete quizzes.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) on Coursera
UC Chile has a strong presence on Coursera. The university offers dozens of open courses on the platform and has reached learners from all over the world.
These courses cover areas such as sciences, technology, business, humanities and social sciences. Many can be audited for free, meaning you can access the videos and materials without paying. If you need a certificate, you usually pay a fee, unless you have a scholarship or financial aid.
To find UC Chile courses, you can:
- Visit https://www.coursera.org
- Search for “Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile”
- Filter by free courses or use the “Audit” option on course pages
PUCV Abierta and other university MOOC platforms
Other Chilean universities also offer free online courses:
- PUCV Abierta (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso): free courses in arts, humanities, public management, education, engineering and business.
- MOOC UFRO (Universidad de La Frontera): free courses in algebra, equations, numbers, ethics, astronomy and basic instrumentation.
- MOOC CFRD UdeC (Universidad de Concepción): flexible, open courses in traditional and emerging fields.
- UBO MOOCs (Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins): additional MOOC initiatives with open registration.
You can usually find these by searching the university name plus “MOOC” or “cursos online gratis” in your browser.
Table – Comparison of main Chilean university MOOC platforms
| Platform | Institution | Typical topics | Access model |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAbierta | Universidad de Chile | Science communication, public policy, health, education, social sciences | Free access to content; low-cost certificates |
| UC Chile on Coursera | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | Sciences, technology, business, humanities | Free audit, paid certificates; scholarships in some programs |
| PUCV Abierta | PUC Valparaíso | Arts, social sciences, education, engineering, business | Free courses, open calls at specific times |
| UFRO MOOC | Universidad de La Frontera | Algebra, equations, numbers, ethics, astronomy, instrumentation | Free registration, self-paced |
| UdeC MOOC | Universidad de Concepción | Various traditional and applied fields | Free, flexible online learning |
Free courses from private institutions and technical centers
In addition to government and universities, some Chilean institutions offer free MOOCs and short courses aimed at workers and entrepreneurs.
One example is IPLACEX, which maintains a catalog of completely free MOOCs covering business, entrepreneurship and practical skills for employees and small business owners.
Another example is OTECs recognized by SENCE, such as Innovares, which specialize in areas like health-related e-learning. While not all of these are free all the time, certain programs may be subsidized through SENCE or offered at no cost during specific campaigns.
To stay updated, it’s a good idea to:
- Check the “cursos gratis” or “MOOC” pages of these institutions
- Subscribe to their newsletters
- Follow them on social media for announcements of new free cohorts
International platforms and Chilean partnerships
Coursera and government scholarships
Coursera is one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, with thousands of courses from universities like Yale, Michigan, UC Chile and many others. Many courses can be audited for free, and in some cases you can apply for financial aid to obtain certificates.
In recent years, the Chilean government—through SENCE and the Ministry of Labor—has launched scholarship programs that give people free access to full Coursera courses and certificates, in areas such as IT, languages, entrepreneurship and transversal skills.
When these programs are open, you’ll usually find:
- An announcement on official government or SENCE websites
- A link to apply for a “beca Coursera” or similar program
- Instructions to create or use a Coursera account and access the selected catalog
How to use global platforms if you’re in Chile
Even if there is no active government scholarship, you can still benefit from free options:
- Audit courses for free on Coursera, edX or similar platforms (you usually get access to videos and readings without a certificate).
- Use financial aid options when they’re available, especially for longer professional certificates.
- Combine local and global learning: for example, take a SENCE course on basic digital skills and then an international course on a more advanced topic.
How to choose the right free online course
With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Use the following framework to choose a course that really fits your goals.
1. Define your main objective
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to get a job soon?
- Am I trying to change careers?
- Do I simply want to test a new field without pressure?
If your goal is employability in Chile, government and SENCE-linked courses may be a good starting point. If you want deeper academic content, university MOOCs are ideal. For global tech skills, international platforms may be best.
2. Check your current level and language
- If you’re a beginner, pick introductory courses (“nivel básico”, “introductorio”).
- If your Spanish is stronger than your English, look for courses from Chilean institutions or Spanish-language MOOCs on Coursera and other platforms.
- Use English-language courses when you want to practice English and access global content.
3. Evaluate duration and commitment
Free courses vary from a few hours to several weeks. Choose one that fits your weekly schedule.
Table – Matching profile and course type
| Profile | Recommended provider | Typical course type |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployed worker in Chile | SENCE online courses | Short courses on employability, digital skills, customer service |
| University student | UAbierta, UC Chile on Coursera, PUCV Abierta | MOOCs in your field of study or complementary areas |
| Small business owner | SENCE programs, IPLACEX free MOOCs | Entrepreneurship, marketing, financial management |
| Career-changer into tech | SENCE tech catalog, Coursera IT courses | Intro to programming, data, cybersecurity and cloud |
| Parent with little time | Self-paced MOOCs (UAbierta, UFRO, Coursera) | Flexible, modular courses with short video lessons |
Step-by-step: enrolling in your first free course
Let’s put everything together with a practical, generic step-by-step guide. You can adapt it to SENCE, a university MOOC or a global platform.
Step 1 – Choose the platform
- If you want public support and local recognition, start with SENCE.
- If you want university-level content, choose UAbierta, UC Chile on Coursera, PUCV Abierta or similar.
- If you want international content, go directly to Coursera or other global platforms.
Step 2 – Create your account
You’ll usually need:
- A valid email address
- A password
- Basic personal information (name, country, sometimes RUN/ID)
On SENCE and some government-linked platforms, you may also need your RUN and ClaveÚnica login.
Step 3 – Enroll in the course
Once logged in:
- Search for the course title or filter by category.
- Open the course page and read the description.
- Click “Inscribirse”, “Enroll” or “Join for free”.
- Confirm that the course is free (audit mode or scholarship) before finalizing.
Step 4 – Explore the learning space
Inside the course, you’ll normally see:
- A syllabus or list of modules
- Video lessons
- PDF readings or links to articles
- Quizzes and assignments
- A discussion forum for questions
Spend a few minutes exploring everything so you don’t get lost later.
Step 5 – Set a realistic study plan
- Choose 3–4 days per week to study, even if it’s only 30 minutes each day.
- Add reminders to your calendar.
- If possible, tell someone else (a friend or family member) so they can help you stay accountable.
Step 6 – Complete activities and quizzes
Free courses often require completing quizzes or small assignments to unlock certificates or proof of completion. Don’t skip them: they are what transform passive watching into real learning.
Step 7 – Download or request your certificate
If the course offers a free or low-cost certificate and you meet the criteria, follow the instructions to download or purchase it. Save the PDF and consider adding it to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Study tips to actually complete your course
Enrolling is easy. Finishing is the challenge. Here are some techniques that work well for online learners in Chile and around the world:
- Study at the same time every day
Even 25–30 minutes consistently can be more powerful than one long session per week. - Take notes in your own words
Use a notebook or a digital document. Try to rewrite key ideas instead of copying them. - Pause and practice
After each video, pause and think: “How could I apply this in my job or daily life?” If the course is about Excel, for example, open a spreadsheet and reproduce the exercises. - Use discussion forums
Ask questions, answer others and share your experience. This helps you remember the content and feel part of a community. - Connect learning with your CV
Every time you finish a course, ask: “Where does this fit on my CV? Which skills can I list now?” This reflection keeps you motivated and focused.
Conclusion: your next step starts with one free course
Chile offers a surprisingly rich ecosystem of free online courses. From SENCE’s government-funded programs to university-level MOOCs and global platforms with local partnerships, you have many ways to learn without paying tuition.
You don’t need to choose the “perfect” course right away. Start with one that feels useful and manageable in your routine—maybe a SENCE course on digital skills, a UAbierta class in your favorite topic, or a Coursera course from UC Chile. Use this guide as a map, test the waters and adjust as you discover what works best for you.
The important thing is to turn this information into action. Pick one platform, enroll in a course today and take your first lesson. Your future self in Chile’s evolving job market will thank you.
FAQs – Free online courses in Chile
1. Are free online courses in Chile officially recognized?
Recognition depends on the provider. SENCE-funded courses and those from accredited universities (like Universidad de Chile or UC Chile) generally have strong credibility with employers. Global platforms such as Coursera add value to your profile, especially when linked to well-known institutions, even if they are not formal degrees.
2. Do I need to live in Chile to access these courses?
For SENCE and some government-funded programs, yes—you usually need to live in Chile and have a Chilean ID (RUN). University MOOCs and global platforms, however, are often open to learners worldwide, as long as you have internet access.
3. Are the courses really 100% free?
Many courses are free to access, but certificates may have a cost, especially on global platforms. Government programs and some local initiatives can cover both content and certification. Always read the details on the course page before enrolling.
4. Do I need advanced technical skills to study online?
No. Most platforms only require basic digital skills: using a browser, logging into websites, watching videos and typing answers. Some SENCE courses are specifically designed to help beginners improve their digital literacy, so online learning becomes easier over time.
5. How many hours per week should I dedicate to a free online course?
It depends on the course, but a good starting point is 3–5 hours per week. If the course is short (20–30 hours in total), you can finish it in a month by studying a little every day. The key is consistency: small, regular sessions are more effective than rare, long marathons.Pensando
